SMC Smart Pill Presents Women Leadership Award and Expo 2021 (WLAE) celebrates the progress of women in Bangladesh through celebration, resolution and recognition
As the lights came on, the stage was glowing with a blue hue. The podium was set for the stars to illuminate the night one by one. SMC Smart Pill Presents Women Leadership Award and Expo 2021 was an edifying proposition lavishly executed. It was organised by WomenLeadership Corporation (WLC) powered by Rupayan City, supported by Daraz Bangladesh, in Partnership with Purity the Hijab Store, in association with Women Can on 12 and 13 March 2021.
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. Since independence, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in improving the lives of women and girls. In March 2021, we were identified as the most gender-equal country in South Asia for the seventh time in a row, according to the Global Gender Gap Report produced by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Keeping up with the spirit of the special month, Women Leadership Awards and Expo 2021 (WLAE) organized by Women Leadership Corporation (WLC) was initiated to recognise the achievements of women leaders who have pushed the boundaries and tore down socio-economic barriers while reaching the pinnacle of success. Their success stories are the embodiment of hard work and determination and will encourage young women across the country to reach for the stars.
The main event was launched on March 12 at 3 pm at The Westin Dhaka, Ballroom by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Mayor, Atiqul Islam, and Minister, Ministry of Education, Dr Dipu Moni joined the event virtually. The program was graced by Special Guests: Rubana Huq, Sayeda Sayera Mohsin, Rubaba Dowla, Afroza Parveen, Lipi Khandakar, Sharmili Ahmed, Sangeeta Khan. Numerous influencers, bloggers, vloggers and social media personalities were also present at the event.
The organisers of the event were Maria Mrittik, Owner of Glow by Maria Mrittik, Namrata Khan, Owner of Exclusia, Nusrat Chowdhury, Owner of Purity The Hijab Store, Nabila Karim, Owner of Digitaikun & Manzuma Mazumder, Owner of M & M Business Communications. The event was co-sponsored by Jaya, Jada by Mousumi Kabir, Da Purples by Jazz, Azrina’s Wardrobe & Afreen. Concurrently, other partners were Monno Ceramic, Alvi Jewellers, Labaid, Luxe Bangladesh, Exclusia, Artland, Prive by Nahila Hedayet, Fusion Hunt, Sinicare, Ispahani, The Eventsia, JK Foreign Brands, Digitaikun, Dhaka Talkies, Channel i, Canvas, Ice Today and Radio Dhoni .
The event also awarded 17 local female leaders, under 17 categories selected by the jury board, this event also aligns them with the industry icons and announces the kick start of the inspiring journey. The awardees were:
1. Corporate Professional: Parisha Shamim, Labaid
2. Contribution in Education: Manzuma Mozumder, Mentor’s Chittagong
3. Wedding Event Planner: Rabeya Rahman Lucky, The Eventsia
4. Event Organizer: Parsa Fatema Nabi Ismail, Luxe Bangladesh
5. Baker: Shaheen Akhter, Doctor’s Bake
6. Makeup Artist: Maria Mrittik, Glow by Maria Mrittik
7. Fashion Designer: Mousumi Kabir, Jada by Mousumi Kabir
8. Modest Clothing: Nusrat Chowdhury, Purity The Hijab store
9. Photographer: Ishrat Amin, Dream Merchant
10. Restaurateur: Sharmin Shahed, Fusion Hunt
11. Contribution in Women Empowerment: Namrata Khan, Women Can
12. Pioneer in Herbal Product: Tania Haque Sharmi, Ligion Herbal Ltd.
13. Jewelry Designer: Tasnim Naz, Alvi Jewellers
14. Best Partner Women in Payment Technology: Monjuri Mallik, Daraz
15. Contribution in Leather Industry: Tania Wahab, Tan
16. Influencer: Umme Sumaya, Beautybook by Sumaya
17. Bridal Consultancy: Silvi Mahmud, Da Purples by Jazz
It also had more than thirty pop up stores by both pioneer and rising brands, exhibiting their products to the audience. Celebrities like Actresses Bidya Sinha Mim, Nusrat Faria and Singer Kona mesmerised the guests with their performance. Ultimately, Women Leadership Awards and Expo 2021 (WLAE) was an iconic event and professionals across the industries will be eagerly waiting to be part of the next one.